The short answer
Search the person's last name in VA's accreditation list. Attorneys, claims agents and service officers who can legally help you are all on it. A company with nobody on the list is not accredited.
Who is on the list
- Attorneys: can charge after VA decides your first claim
- Claims agents: passed VA's exam, same fee rules
- Service officers: work for VA-recognized groups, always free
How to check
Use our lookup or VA's own search. Type a last name, pick a state if the name is common, and look for an exact match with the right city.
If they are not on it
They can still be legal in some states as a paid consultant, but they cannot represent you before VA. Check your state's rule before you pay.
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